What to Watch

In our pre-kid years, we would make an annual trek to New York in March or April just before the Tony awards came out to catch all the top-rated shows. I can vouch for the fact that London's theatre scene and particularly shows in the West End are comparable to those found in New York. This being said, many of the best shows start ‘off West End’.  If you are a theater buff, you’ll soon find there is so much to see and so little time!

Not surprisingly, our kids’ favorite West End productions have been Lion King and Matilda. The adult favorites include:

• Billy Elliott — Winner of 4 Olivier Awards, this show would be great for kids if it wasn’t for the language. The singing, acting and dancing of its lead character is simply amazing.

• Book of Mormon — Winner of 9 Tony and 4 Olivier Awards, this show is funny and completely irreverent. The run has been been extended.

• Jersey Boys — Winner of 4 Tony awards and Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album, this musical goes back in time to the 60s. The lead singer that plays Frankie Valli and the supporting Four Season cast members are all solid performers.

• War Horse — Winner of 5 Tony awards, this play with its famous larger than life puppeteering is hands down one of the best shows we have seen (did you know that it started off at the National Theatre). It is listed for audiences 10 years and older. Given the intensity of some of the themes, you’ll need to gauge appropriateness based on your child’s sensitivity.